The Palms is a short walk from the heart of Downtown Gainesville.
Let's be honest here – after spending my night at Rowdy's (where ladies drink free every Wednesday night until 9 P.M.) or studying at the library until close, getting food afterward is nonnegotiable. Luckily, after living in the beautiful city of Gainesville for four years, I've narrowed down the best restaurants to satisfy your late-night hunger.
Downtown Gainesville
If you live in an apartment near Downtown Gainesville, consider yourself lucky. In my opinion, Downtown Gainesville has some of the best food spots the city has to offer. My all-time favorite late-night stop is Boca Fiesta. Open until 2 A.M. Monday-Saturday, this restaurant has an incredible, upbeat ambience that makes eating authentic Mexican food a true experience. When you get the chance to go, you must order the Elote and Fiesta Fries... you can thank me later. Flaco's Cuban Bakery is another good option to try when searching for a midnight snack. Open until 4 A.M. Tuesday – Saturday, Flaco's is the perfect place to enjoy a ham and cheese arepa after a long night at the library.
Midtown Gainesville
Not only does living in an apartment near Midtown allow residents to be walking distance from popular college bars, but also some of the most popular late-night restaurants. Italian Gator Pizza, commonly known as Pizza by the Slice, has some of the best quick & ready pizza I've ever had. Open until 2:00 A.M. Wednesday-Saturday, this thin-crust pizza place is located in the heart of Midtown and an absolute must after a night out on the town. Hurricane BTW is another popular late-night spot. Serving everything from Korean BBQ tacos to chicken wings to quarter-pound burgers, this restaurant is open until 3 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight every other night of the week.
Archer Road
If you live near Butler Plaza, say goodbye to ordering pizza from a commercial joint and paying those annoying delivery fees. At Blaze Pizza, customers can create customize pizzas until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 P.M. every other night of the week. I recommend trying a pizza with pesto, feta and a drizzle of alfredo sauce on a cauliflower crust, it has all the taste factor of a pizza with half the guilt. However, if you spent your night watching Nicholas Sparks movies and want to indulge a bit, Taco Bell, Wendy's and MacDonald's are all within a one-mile radius of Butler Plaza. I mean, who doesn't love Taco Bell's cheesy fiesta potatoes?
West Gainesville
Living in West Gainesville means you live minutes from the Oaks Mall (shopping, anyone?) but also minutes from some of the best food in town. Burrito Famous has customizable burrito, salad and taco options, as well as queso and guacamole. It's like chipotle, but a little better in my opinion. Open until midnight every night, Burrito Famous is the perfect place to satisfy any late-night cravings you may encounter.